HeLP (Healthy Lifestyle Practices): Basis for Health Promotion, Community Wellness Program, and Extension Service Development in a Rural Barangay of a Lake Town Municipality

Abstract

            Rural and geographically isolated communities in the Philippines face increasing risks from lifestyle-related noncommunicable diseases, yet evidence-based data to guide community-level interventions remain limited. This study assessed the healthy lifestyle practices of residents in Barangay San Ramon, Buhi, Camarines Sur, a Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Area (GIDA), to inform the development of a targeted community wellness program and extension service. A descriptive survey and total enumeration method were used to collect data from 328 households, including 13 newly relocated families, using a validated researcher-made questionnaire. Most respondents were female (69.5%), aged 42 and above (47.9%), married (54.3%), Roman Catholic (79.9%), elementary graduates (37.8%), laborers (32.0%), and low-income earners (₱5,000 and below) at 75.3%. Moreover, 42.4% were classified as non-NHTS, indicating varying levels of socioeconomic vulnerability. A family history of hypertension was reported by 49.7%, and 36.3% had current cases. Healthy lifestyle behaviors such as proper diet (M=2.65), physical activity (M=2.53), and stress management (M=2.51) were “often” practiced. Sleep hygiene (M=2.4) was “sometimes” observed, and vices (M=1.47) were rarely engaged in. Physical (M = 2.55) and social/environmental (M = 2.42) factors had a moderate influence on lifestyle practices. Chi-square analysis revealed significant relationships between demographic variables and health behaviors. These findings underscore the urgent need for a culturally responsive Community Wellness Program and Extension Service to improve and sustain health outcomes in this rural GIDA community.